Doyle strike enough for Sligo victory

UCD 0 Sligo Rovers 1

Eoin Doyle rediscovered his goal touch to get Sligo’s title challenge back on track - but Paul Cook’s side should have won this by more.

The victory, Sligo’s first in four games, moves them back up to second in the table on goal difference ahead of Shamrock Rovers, though the champions, who play in Galway on Sunday evening, have two games in hand.

Rovers topscorer Doyle failed to find the net in their last three games, none of which Sligo managed to win.

But he was back on his game at the UCD Bowl with a well-taken 17th goal of the season on 38 minutes to break the deadlock in a lively game.

Skipper Richie Ryan threaded a delightful ball through for the run of Doyle who rounded College keeper Ger Barron to slide the ball home.

Matthew Blinkhorn had earlier had two efforts cleared off the line by some frantic UCD defending.

The second half was equally as lively but failed to produce any clearcut chances on goal, though Sligo did have a shout for handball turned down by Cork referee Graham Kelly.